Everton have expanded the global reach of their youth academy by adding another side to the club's International Academy Affiliate Programme (EIAAP).
Queensland-based Western Pride have become the fifth team to sign up as an affiliate to the Blues - following Joondalup City, Columbus United, Schulz Academy and Everton de Vina del Mar.
The club, which was founded in 2012, are the second Australian side to sign up for the programmes and will now gain coaching staff and players of all ages - as well as year-round assistance from coaches at Everton's academy.
The EIAAP also has structures in place to deliver its programme remotely during the coronavirus pandemic, via its digital platform which allows affiliates to access resources and maintain regular contact with Blues coaches.
David Unsworth, Director of the Everton Academy said: "Western Pride’s new status as an Everton International Academy Affiliate Programme member marks the next phase in their ambition and growth, and will see them gain the best in sporting knowledge and insight from our Academy coaches.
"At Everton we have a passion for developing quality footballers but also helping them grow as people. This is something that we share with Western Pride, a great academy club with teams of all ages.
"I’m confident this new partnership can help Western Pride achieve the goals they have set for the advancement of their club as a whole and, more specifically, around player development.
"We look forward to working closely together over the coming years."
The Blues already have a strong connection with Australian football, not least through the signing of Tim Cahill in 2004 who went on to be a hero for the club and legend for his country.
Currently, Everton have Hayley Raso as part of their Womens setup after completing the signing of the Matildas forward in January and have Sydney-born Con Ouzounidis as part of their under-23s side.
Patrick Boyle, Western Pride Chairman, said: "Western Pride are always striving to increase the standard of club, player and product offered to the wider football community.
"The partnership with Everton will enhance our strategic and commercial direction to ensure Western Pride continues to build and have a positive impact on our members. Western Pride will leverage off the experience of some of the football leaders at Everton.
"Our partnership will motivate and inspire our team, right across the organisation, to enable Western Pride to deliver on our mission."
EIAAP was launched in May 2020 with the primary focus surrounding player development, using the same curriculum that is used at USM Finch Farm. In addition, the programme is able to focus on coach development and club development.
The programme is available to grassroots teams, professional sides, youth academies, girls’ and women’s teams, as well as colleges and universities.
